Introduction
The International Programme is a technical assistance fund which supports small-scale projects that aim to deliver policy outcomes. Examples of activity funded by the International Programme include communications, training, development of online digital resources, and so on. Successful projects should deliver change in Liberia.
Objectives
Areas of focus could include, but are not limited to:
- eligibility: We will prioritise bids from local NGOs/ civil society organisations but bids which involve working with government bodies may also be approved where there is a strong case. We will also accept bids from international organisations. We welcome proposals for work in all regions of Liberia
- focus areas: Youth, gender equality, human rights, justice, democracy, media freedom, health, climate change/environment and education
- funding period: 1 September 2021 to 15 March 2022. All project activities and expenditure must be completed by the end of the funding period
- application period: Proposals must be submitted via email by 09h00 (Liberia time) on Monday, 12 July 2021. Late bids will not be accepted
Bidding documents and guidance are available below.
Application process
Bidders should fill in the standard Project Proposal Form - over 10k (ODT, 65.7KB) or Project Proposal Form - up to 10k (ODT, 58.1KB) and include a breakdown of project costs in the Activity Based Budget Template - GBP (ODS, 9.53KB) or Activity Based Budget Template - USD (ODS, 9.65KB), available at the links below, using the guidance provided. We will not consider proposals submitted in other formats. Activity Based Budget costs should be indicative. Costs should be provided in US Dollars, not Liberian Dollars. UK-based organisations may submit budgets in GBP (£ pounds sterling). Organisations cannot use grant funding to generate profit.
The maximum funding amount available is US$30,000 (or GBP equivalent). We welcome bids up to this value. UK funding may be in addition to co-funding by other partners and self-funding contributions; indeed this will be considered a merit. Where appropriate, bidders are encouraged to describe how their project could be further scaled-up if additional funding became available.
Bidders should read the guidance carefully before completing bids. Proposals which do not follow the guidance and do not provide the required information in the standard format/word limit will be rejected. Successful projects should have sustainable outcomes and should clearly identify the change that will be brought about.
They may also build on projects by other organisations, complementing their efforts. All bids should make clear how they will complement existing activities supported by other donors and international partners, and how work in the regions would complement national-level activity.
Successful bidders must be able to receive project funding in GBP or USD in their organisation's bank account. Cash payments will not be made. 85% of project funds should be spent before end of December 2021.
Administrative costs (office rent, project management and book-keeper rates, utilities, communications, stationery, bank charges, etc.) must not exceed 8% of the total project budget. Project costs are usually reimbursed on basis of actual receipted costs. Requests for partial advance payments will be considered on an exceptional basis, with additional scrutiny required.
The International Programme is not a humanitarian fund and cannot provide e.g. scholarships, food or educational supplies, etc. We are unable to fund:
- academic courses or research
- English language courses
- the purchase of IT or other equipment
